How to Deal with Menopause?

Women usually suffer with menopause at the age 45 to 55 but it is possible that some women may experience menopause as early as below 40. The reason for early menopause is due to surgical operation of ovaries and radiation therapy and sometimes cases of early menopause are unexplained.

With the onset of menopause, a woman’s body stops making estrogen and progesterone, the female hormones produced by the ovaries that prepare the uterus for possible pregnancy. Prior to menopause, many women will notice change in their periods. This time of “transition,” called perimenopause, can last for several years until menopause

Menopause is Natural:

Kindly understand that menopause is just another natural and normal transition of life and should never be taken as the end of prime time. Optimistic women take it as the beginning of more mature phase in their lives. Such attitude helps them coup up better with it.

Hot flashes:

Bio Identical Estrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy is the best treatment for most postmenopausal women (progesterone should be added in women who have not had uterus removed), except those with a history of breast cancer, heart disease, previous history of venous clots or stroke, or those at high risk for these complications.

Genitourinary atrophy:

The inner lining of the vagina and urethra are very sensitive to estrogen deficiency that is seen in menopause. This leads to vaginal atrophy causing symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching and often, painful intercourse (dyspareunia). Both oral and topical (cream) estrogen is available to reduce such symptoms; vaginal estrogen is more potent.

Disease prevention:

Post-menopausal women are at risk for many other diseases such as coronary heart disease, osteoporosis (fragile bones) and dementia. Here is what can be done to prevent such diseases:

Heart disease:
The best primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease is to eliminate the risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes mellitus.

Osteoporosis:
Previously, estrogen was recommended as a first-line medication for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, but now bisphosphonates (Fosamax) or raloxifene (Evista) are prescribed.

Dementia:
Hormone therapy is the best treatment but it should not be initiated after age 65 years to prevent dementia.